Gulfstream and Israel Aerospace Industries publically introduced the first example of the Gulfstream G250 at IAI’s facility on Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, two weeks before the opening of this year’s NBAA Convention in Orlando. The new super-midsize jet, which has its roots in the G200 and was launched by IAI and Gulfstream at last year’s NBAA Convention, taxied under its own power to a hangar where some 600 people gathered to watch its debut.
Gulfstream bought the Astra and Galaxy type certificates from IAI in 2001, with the goal of expanding its product line. The Savannah OEM then rebranded the IAI midsize business jets the G100 and G200, respectively, and took over their completions, painting, marketing and, later, product support. IAI remained the manufacturer of the Astra and Galaxy jets, and continues as the airframe builder for the G150, G200 and G250, which will eventually replace the G200.